Children on strict vegan diets may be deficient in which nutrient?

• A. Vitamin B-6
• B. Magnesium
• C. Vitamin B12
• D. Folate

Answer: (C)

The main concept is that Vitamin B12 is not available in meaningful amounts from plant-based foods, so strict vegan diets place children at risk for B12 deficiency unless they use fortified foods or supplements. Vitamin B12 is essential for red blood cell formation and proper neurological development, and the body stores it for years, so deficiency can develop gradually, especially in growing children. Without adequate B12, a child can develop anemia and potential developmental or neurological problems.

Other nutrients listed are typically accessible through a vegan diet. Vitamin B6 and magnesium are found in a wide range of plant foods like legumes, whole grains, nuts, seeds, and leafy greens. Folate is abundant in leafy greens, legumes, and fortified grains, so deficiency is less commonly linked specifically to vegan diets when a variety of plant foods is eaten. The unique risk in strict vegan diets that makes Vitamin B12 the best answer is its lack of natural plant sources and the reliance on fortified foods or supplements to meet needs.